Global Heat Pump Market Growth and Italy’s San Vito Wind Farm Debate

A new International Energy Agency (IEA) study, Heat Pump Monitor 2026, analyses the worldwide heat‑pump market. After steady growth before 2020 and a record surge in 2021‑2022, sales slowed in 2023 and have now stabilised. The United States holds the largest installed base, while China leads in annual sales, followed by Europe and Japan. Heat pumps currently supply less than 15% of global building‑heating demand, but under the IEA’s “Stated Policies” scenario they could more than double by 2035, covering roughly 20% of demand.

In Italy, Five Star Movement deputy Anna Laura Orrico has submitted a parliamentary question about the San Vito wind‑farm project on the Ionian coast of Calabria. She notes that the proposal has resurfaced repeatedly over 17 years despite strong local opposition from citizens, committees and many mayors concerned about environmental impacts. The regional government first approved, then withdrew the permit; a court (Tar) annulled the regional decision in April and reinstated the procedure. Orrico is asking the Ministry of the Environment to clarify whether the project should proceed.

The two pieces illustrate ongoing debates over renewable‑energy deployment: market expansion for heat‑pump technology worldwide and the political and community challenges of new wind‑energy infrastructure in Italy.